Microsoft raises prices for its software in the Russian Federation

In February 2015, Microsoft increased prices by 15-30%. And here again, a new price increase is forecasted since January 1, 2016 for products and services of a well-known company. Prices for Microsoft products will change for both private and corporate users by 19-25%. Office office products Microsoft Office and Office 365, server software, cloud services based on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Visual Studio developer line and other products will rise in price. For private users, prices will be raised by 19%, for business - by 19-25%, depending on the licensing program. Corporate customers and private users can still purchase Microsoft products and update license agreements at current prices before adjusting them.

Boxed versions of Windows, Xbox gaming consoles, licensing solutions for unlicensed copies of Windows, Dynamics / CRM products will not affect this increase.

Pavel Betsis, President of Microsoft Russia:

We regularly analyze our pricing policy to match market dynamics. In light of the changes taking place in the Russian market, Microsoft will adjust the prices of software and cloud products. The upcoming increase will apply only to a certain number of software products. Microsoft is always thoughtful and balanced approach to the issue of pricing in Russia. In this regard, the adjustment of prices for software for private users will be minimal - 19%, and in some cases will remain unchanged. For example, prices for boxed versions of Windows, Xbox game consoles and some other devices will remain at the same level. For commercial customers, depending on the product licensing scheme, the increase can vary from 19% for software to 25% for the “cloud”. And the prices of the licensing solution for unlicensed copies of Windows (GGWA) and Dynamics / CRM products will not change. At the same time, we give a substantial time period, almost two months, for the purchase of products at the old prices.

Ivan Ermakov, MONT Vice President for Strategic Development:

In the current economic situation in Russia, it is not the fact of the price adjustment by Microsoft that matters, as it’s still maintaining the ruble price list. Thus, Microsoft took the exchange risks from the affiliate network and took them over. In the conditions of high volatility of the national currency, this is a very important factor that allows many partners to save their business and avoid bankruptcies.

The range of price increases is “quite expected in view of current inflation and is acceptable,” other international companies also change prices, but sell their products in arbitrary units.